Rain Mittens vs Winter Gloves: Why Kids Need Waterproof Mitts

If you’re a parent in Northern BC, you already know the dilemma: one day it’s sunny, the next day it’s slushy, and by the end of the week you’re staring at soggy gloves that just won’t dry. Shopping for kids’ waterproof gloves is tricky because what works in January doesn’t always work in October or April.

And here’s the truth:  winter gloves aren’t always the best answer. But what else can you buy besides the knit or fleece gloves from the dollar store?

I got introduced to rain gloves from my favourite Scandinavian kids boutique - and they were an absolute game changer and I knew I had to bring them to Prince George when I bought the shop. My biggest regret is taking so long to get the deals made and the order here. Reima Rain Mittens have proven to be a daycare favourite and must-have!

Why Winter Gloves Don’t Always Work

On paper, winter gloves seem perfect: thick insulation, waterproof layers, cozy fleece linings. But in real life, that combination can backfire, especially in wet mid-season weather. So if you're still using winter gloves when it's warmer than -5C, here's why that might be problematic.

• Sweat + insulation = cold hands. Kids run, climb, and play hard. When their hands get hot inside insulated gloves, sweat builds up. That dampness quickly cools, and suddenly “warm” gloves are making hands colder.
  

• Hard to dry. Once gloves get wet inside, they often take more than a day to dry. Even on the register overnight, they can still be damp by morning.
  

• Bulky frustration. Thick gloves make zipping jackets, buckling car seats, or building snowmen harder.
  

Think of it like a snow globe: it’s totally waterproof, but the water stays trapped inside. Even gloves with great waterproof ratings won’t solve the problem if sweat and insulation trap moisture inside. Because yes, most snow gloves are waterproof just for a different environment. 

Why Rain Mittens Are Smarter

That’s where rain mittens for kids come in. Lighter, flexible, and truly waterproof, they’re designed to keep water out while avoiding the sweaty bulk of traditional gloves.

• True waterproofing. Reima Rain Mittens are made with a fabric rated over 10,000 mm water column
  

• Quick-drying. With less insulation, they dry faster overnight.
  

• Versatile comfort. Wear them solo on mild, wet days, or layer with thin wool gloves underneath for extra warmth.

• Kid-friendly flexibility. Because they aren’t bulky, kids can still move, climb, and play without frustration.
  
  

Reima Rain Mittens: Puro vs. Kuro

Reima offers two waterproof options so you can match the mitten to the season:

• Reima Puro Rain Mittens (Unlined) : Perfect for fall and spring when it’s wet but not cold

• Reima Kuro Rain Mittens (Lined) : Light fleece lining adds warmth without bulk, ideal for slushy November mornings or early-winter wet snow.
  

The Puro starts at $19.95 CAD, making them an affordable and practical choice for families who want to keep kids outside longer. These gloves can be extended through the season by using them over other gloves for added warmth. 

PS- we often size kids down in the Reima rain mittens because they fit big. 

Shop Waterproof Rain Mittens in Prince George & Across Canada

At Nest & Sprout, we see parents every year searching for the “one perfect glove.” The reality? Kids need different tools for different weather. That’s why Reima Rain Mittens are our go-to recommendation for wet mid-season play.

👉 Shop the  Rain Mittens Collection online or in-store at Nest & Sprout in Prince George, BC. Available in lined Kuro and unlined Puro, starting at just $19.95. We ship across Canada so kids everywhere can stay dry.

Looking for more? Explore our full collections of Reima kids outerwear,  waterproof rain gear for kids, and kids’ waterproof boots to build a complete mid-season setup.